How far is Paola, KS from Salina, KS?
The driving distance from Paola, KS to Salina, KS is about 183.9 miles (295.9 km), with a travel time of about 02h 56m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 148.4 miles (238.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 52m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 02h 56m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Kansas, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Paola and Salina.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Paola and Salina.
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1
Start on South Silver Street
68 m · 14 sec · South Silver Street
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2
Turn right onto West Peoria Street
1.2 mi · 3 min · West Peoria Street
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3
At the end of the road, turn left onto Hedge Lane
89 m · 12 sec · Hedge Lane
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4
Turn right onto Baptiste Drive
1456 ft · 40 sec · Baptiste Drive
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5
Turn left onto US 169 North, KS 7 North: Olathe
1424 ft · 35 sec
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6
Merge slight left
19.1 mi · 21 min
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7
Continue straight
2 mi · 4 min
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8
Turn left onto East Old 56 Highway
1.6 km · 2 min · East Old 56 Highway
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9
Keep slight right to continue on KS 7 North: Bonner Springs
43 m · 5 sec
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10
Turn right onto South Parker Street
5.4 mi · 8 min · South Parker Street
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11
Take the exit slight right toward KS 10 West: Lawrence
1331 ft · 38 sec
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12
Merge slight left
32.1 mi · 35 min
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13
Take the exit right
2384 ft · 1 min
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14
Merge slight left onto Kansas Turnpike
13.4 mi · 13 min · Kansas Turnpike
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15
Keep slight right to continue on Kansas Turnpike
1.5 km · 1 min · Kansas Turnpike
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16
Continue on Truman/Eisenhower Presidential Highway
91.6 mi · 1 hr 34 min · Truman/Eisenhower Presidential Highway
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17
Continue on Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
22.2 mi · 22 min · Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
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18
Take the exit slight right toward KS 143
1276 ft · 33 sec
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19
Turn left onto North 9th Street
2.5 mi · 6 min · North 9th Street
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20
Turn left onto West Iron Avenue
85 m · 14 sec · West Iron Avenue
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21
Turn right onto South 8th Street
28 m · 4 sec · South 8th Street
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22
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South 8th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Paola and Salina.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Truman/Eisenhower Presidential Highway
Continue on Truman/Eisenhower Presidential Highway
91.6 mi · 01h 34m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Clear leaving Paola and Sunny near Salina.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Paola to Salina?
The road trip is about 183.9 miles (295.9 km) and usually takes 02h 56m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Willard is a useful midpoint, sitting about 96.4 miles from Paola and 87.4 miles from Salina.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 148.4 miles (238.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 35.5 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 12:38 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $24.47 one way or $48.95 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 57.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Clear around Paola and Sunny near Salina.
Stop Ideas Near Willard
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Willard.
Topeka
Lawrence
Union Station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Paola and Salina. Straight-line distance: 148.47 mi (238.94 km).
#1 Paola
City in Kansas
| Population | 1,108 |
| Coordinates | 38.5722400, -94.8791300 |
| Altitude | 279 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Salina
The most populous city in Saline County, Kansas.
| Population | 46,274 |
| Coordinates | 38.8402800, -97.6114200 |
| Altitude | 373 |
| Country | United States |
End: South 8th Street (-97.611466, 38.840281)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 296 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 07m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 35m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 40m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 03m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 37m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 17m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $24.47 | $48.95 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $27.60 | $55.20 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $30.20 | $60.41 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $34.42 | $68.85 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Kansas · May 13, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.